Structural unit



Oct. 4, 1932.

D. H. BlTNEY STRUCTURAL UNIT Filed Feb. 5, 1930 Dev/e f/ zzize My ATTORNEYS Patented Oct. 4, 1932 UNITED STATES PATENT oFi -IC DEWEY H. BITNEY, 0F ALBION, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO L'i'JXl'IlLON' STEEL PRODUCTS COMPANY, OF ALBION, MICHIGAN STRUCTURAL UNIT Application filed February 5, 1930. Serial No. 426,027.

The main object of this invention is to provide a structural unit adapted as a beam bolster, chair or support which may be made of comparatively light material and at the same time is not likely to be distorted during the process of placing the reinforcement or other building operations prior to the laying of the concrete.

A further object is to provide a structural unit of the class described having these advantages which is very economical in structure and conveniently handled on the job or in transportation.

Objects pertaining to details and economies of my invention will definitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is defined in the claims.

A structural unit embodying the features of my invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which Fig. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a structural unit embodying the features of my invention, shown in operative relation to a form and. to the structural elements supported thereby.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary view partially in section on broken line 22 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of a slightly modified form or embodiment of my invention.

Referring to the drawing, 1 represents a portion of a form and 2 reinforce bars or elements. My improved structural unit comprises a longitudinal supporting rod 3 having a plurality of legs 4 secured thereto preferably by welding as indicated at 5. These legs are preferably formed of inverted U-shaped members 6, the arms of which are welded to the rod and the ends of the arms are disposed in opposite downwardly diverging relation providing the inclined legs 4.

Thus arranged adjacent legs are disposed in opposite directions providing a very stable support for the rod 3, that is, a unit which is not easily tipped over. Further, the ends In practice the units are formed of 0011- siderable length to be cut off to the desired length for use. The structure isvery economical to'produce and, as stated, is capable: of sustaining heavy loads although of com paratively light material.

A further advantage is that when the form is removed there is only a very small area of the metal exposed. In fact, under ordinary circumstances, unless the legs have been materially forced into the form, the legs are substantially completely embedded.

Having thus described my invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters- Patent is:

1. A structural unit comprising a longitudinal supporting rod, and a plurality of inverted U-shaped leg members welded to said rod in spaced relation, the lower ends of both of the arms of each'of said members being directly connected to said rod and disposed in opposite downwardly diverging relation from said rod, providing inclined legs for the supporting rod. A V

2. A structural unit of the class described,

comprising in combination a longitudinal supportingrod, and a plurality of spaced inverted U-shaped leg members having their webs disposed in spaced parallel relation with said rod and their arms welded to said rod, the ends of both arms below said rod of each member being disposed in opposite downwardly diverging relation providing inclined legs for the supporting rod.

3. A structural unit, comprising a longitudinal rod, and a plurality of spaced 1nverted U-shaped wire members welded to said rod and having their webs disposed in spaced parallel relation to said rod, and their arms in connected normal relation thereto, the lower portions of both arms of each .member being disposed in downwardly diverging relation from said rod to provide inclined legs for the rod. In witness whereof I my hand.

have hereunto set DEWEY H. BITNEY'. 

